Tannic acid induces dentin biomineralization by crosslinking and surface modification

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Dental Research
• Biomineralization

Background:

• Crosslinking agents improve dentin mechanical properties via type I collagen crosslinking.
• Limited research exists on crosslinking agents' impact on the collagen-mineral interface.
• Tannic acid (TA) is investigated for its potential in dentin remineralization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of tannic acid (TA) crosslinking on dentin biomineralization.
• To analyze the influence of TA on the collagen-mineral interface.
• To evaluate the mechanical and anti-enzyme properties of TA-treated remineralized dentin.

Main Methods:

• Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to analyze molecular interactions.
• Inducing dentin biomineralization using TA-crosslinked collagen fibers.
• Measuring elastic modulus and hardness of remineralized dentin.
• Calculating interface energy between collagen fibers and minerals.

Main Results:

• FTIR confirmed hydrogen bonding between TA and collagen.
• TA crosslinking achieved a maximum degree of 41.28 ± 1.52.
• Complete dentin remineralization occurred within 4 days.
• TA-treated dentin showed significantly improved mechanical properties (19.1 ± 1.12 GPa elastic modulus, 0.68 ± 0.06 GPa hardness).
• Interface energy decreased from 10.59 mJ m⁻² to 4.19 mJ m⁻² with TA treatment.

Conclusions:

• Tannic acid crosslinking is crucial for effective dentin remineralization.
• TA improves the collagen-mineral interface, enhancing biomimetic mineralization.
• TA treatment restores mechanical properties of remineralized dentin to near-healthy levels.
• This study provides insights into interfacial control for collagen mineralization.